US-based tax advisory firm Ryan plans to recruit and promote 100 partners across Britain and Europe over the next three years as it seeks to compete more aggressively with Deloitte, EY, KPMG and PwC.
The expansion plans, reported by The Times, involve external recruitment, internal promotions and partners joining through acquisitions, rather than 100 external hires.
Ryan, which specialises in business tax services and software, has been expanding its European operations through acquisitions as well as organic growth.
In September, the firm completed its acquisition of Svalner Atlas Advisors, an independent tax and transaction advisory business headquartered in Stockholm. The deal extended Ryan’s presence across the Nordic and Benelux markets.
Earlier this year, Ryan also acquired Edinburgh-based Williams Young McKaig Ltd and its specialist rating division, WYM Rating, strengthening its UK business rates and property tax capabilities.
The expansion is being led by Tom Shave, who joined Ryan in December 2024 as president of its Europe and Asia-Pacific division, with responsibility for organic growth, acquisitions and attracting senior talent.
A growing challenge to the Big Four
Ryan’s expansion highlights increasing competition in a market traditionally dominated by multidisciplinary professional services firms.
Unlike the Big Four, which combine audit, tax, consulting and other advisory services, Ryan focuses on business taxation. Its strategy offers an alternative model for clients seeking specialist tax expertise.
The Financial Times reported in June that Ryan’s acquisition of Svalner Atlas was part of a wider push by specialist and private equity-backed firms to establish larger European tax advisory platforms.
The planned partner appointments are another indication of Ryan’s ambitions. Whether that investment translates into significant market-share gains against the Big Four remains to be seen.
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About the author: Claudine Cassar is the founder and editor of Big4News, covering audit, consulting, regulation and governance across Deloitte, PwC, EY and KPMG.